Apple disappoints fans by excluding solid-state buttons from iPhone 15 Pro

According to recent reports, Apple has postponed the implementation of solid-state buttons on the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max due to manufacturing issues. These capacitive buttons were supposed to replace the physical buttons that have been used on iPhones until now. This delay is disappointing for those who were excited about this particular feature, but it’s unlikely that Apple will drop it entirely.

As an iPhone 14 Pro user, upgrading to an iPhone 15 model is not a top priority for me. However, the arrival of USB-C support is one reason why I might consider upgrading in 2024 or later.

While the solid-state buttons aren’t a compelling reason to buy the newest iPhone, they do represent a step forward in the evolution of the iPhone. Eventually, we may see an iPhone with no ports or physical buttons, which would be waterproof and feature a perfect all-screen display. Furthermore, turning the mute switch into a capacitive button would enable it to support different functionalities, similar to the Apple Watch Ultra’s Action button, which was a rumored feature of the iPhone 15 Pro models.

Recent reports indicate that Apple has abandoned plans to equip the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max with solid-state buttons due to unresolved technical issues during mass production. Apple will revert to the classic physical button design, which will not impact the iPhone 15’s release. The iPhone 15 Pro is still in the EVT development stage, so there is still time to modify the design. Removing solid-state buttons and restoring physical buttons will simplify the development and testing process, which should have a limited impact on the mass production schedule and shipments for Pro models.

It remains unclear whether the mute switch can still become an Action button, but even if it does, it will require a Taptic Engine for haptic feedback when pressed. Apple has delayed iPhone features in the past, such as the 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate, which was introduced a year after its initial rumored testing for the iPhone 12.